I would be most grateful if anyone can shed light on a tragic accident that happened to a parachutist of 5th Parachute Brigade in early March 1944. This happened when units of the brigade were gaining first experience of jumping from Dakota aircraft, of the newly equipped RAF squadrons. One of the men's chutes snagged on the aircraft he was jumping from, ultimately resulting in his death. There is a reference to this accident in the account of Major John Francis Cramphorn (OC 'A' Coy, 13th Parachute Bn), extracted from the unpublished 13th Parachute Battalion: Luard's Own, cited on www.PegasusArchive.org . I would be particularly interested in any relevant war diary entries for relevant units of the brigade, or operations record book entries for relevant units of 46 Group RAF. Any assistance shall be greatly appreciated!
Hi Pember, Here's a direct link to the "Luard's Own" page for anyone having trouble finding: http://www.pegasusarchive.org/normandy/repLuardsOwn.htm Do you think the hang-up related in the following letter is the same? In that case the parachutist was released over Poole Harbour. The date is unclear. I believe Captain Phillip L. Burkinshaw of the 12th Parachute Battalion witnessed the same man dangling as well. Unfortunately he later died from his injuries. http://www.paradata.org.uk/media/40782?mediaSection=Documents&mediaItem=54752 Regards ...
Thank you for the links! Indeed, it seems likely that the incident witnessed by Sapper Wolfe was the same one, as Studland Bay (referred to by Capt Cramphorn) is just outside Poole Harbour (referred to by Spr Wolfe). Is there an account of what Capt Burkinshaw witnessed? As to the identity of the parachutist, I can only find record (on www.CWGC.org) of three men of the Parachute Regt who died in the first part of March 1944. One of these was from 1 Para, so I assume that he can be ruled-out as the man in question. The other two were both from 13 Para, namely Cpl Ernest Patrick Lyons and Pte Victor Dennis Llewellyn. Of course, if the man in question died later, then it could have been someone else. Also, if the man was not a member of the Parachute Regt itself. Best regards
Sgt Edward Albert Stenner, The Parachute Regt, died 26 March 1944, but no idea what battalion he was with...
Pember, Here's Capt. Burkinshaw's short account from Para Memories (thanks to brithm). Also there's a forum post by a fellow whose Father was in the Dakota at the time of the accident which can be read here: http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?44318-Airborne-hang-ups-in-1944 If it is the same incident perhaps the ORB for 575 Sqn at RAF Broadwell from sometime in early March 1944 would provide a few more details. Regards ...
5678125 Sgt Edward Albert Stenner had previously served with the Somerset light Infantry suggesting he was 7th Battalion. Cee may be able to confirm this?
Sgt. Stenner of 7 Para was killed in an accident that occurred in a street fighting exercise in S.E London, March 44 - so not our man. Regards ...
Thank you! So may not be looking for a member of the Parachute Regiment, but an airborne Artillery officer...
Sorry link did not show right page, the man you are after is Lieutenant John alexander daniel williams 83rd field regiment R.A. service number 2041444, buried in family plot St Columbecille, Durrow near Tullamore Ireland.
Thanks for the clarification, it seemed likely to be him from the information of being an officer and the link to an Irish unit, he was the one most likely. WILLIAMS, JOHN ALEXANDER DANIEL. Rank: Lieutenant. Service No: 204144. Date of Death: 18/03/1944. Age: 24. Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery 83 Field Regt. Grave Reference: Grave A. Cemetery: DURROW (ST. COLUMBCILLE) CATHOLIC CHURCHYARD. Additional Information: Son of John and Sheelagh Williams, of Tullamore. It seems they tried everything to save him, but dropping into water from whatever height after being buffeted in the slipstream for a while must have been difficult.
Could this man have been a FOO? I recall a story my dad told me about a man caught on the tail wheel. they tried to feed out a kit bag on a static line,hoping that the chap could be hauled back into the plane. I didnt know how it ended by my impression was it was not a happy one. I have no idea if dad was an eye witness or re-telling the story. My dad was RCHA serving in 2nd Forward Observer unit and that would tie in with airborne RA Rob
Guys I know it is an old post from last year but I have recently posted my Dad's involvement with this incident via paradata, under Airborne Hang Up Recovery Trials Airborne Hang Up Recovery Trials by Sqn Leader Frank Hayward | ParaData Incidentally my Dad was of the belief the man was dropped in Poole Harbour, as there were plenty of RN tenders to pick people out of the water and a seaplane base at Hamworthy. Studland Bay is outside the harbour facing the open sea and not sheltered at all.
Hi 49 HG 92, Thanks for popping in with your father's very interesting account of the tragic event and the recovery method later developed, though never officially employed on a wider scale. The hang up and it's unfortunate end I'm sure would have haunted the memories of those directly involved. Regards ...
Interesting the the unfortunate man was Royal Artillery He probably was training as a FOO So maybe my dad's recollections were of the same incident Forward Observer units were not very large
